Conservative surgical management of a heterotopic scar pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: The cesarean scar pregnancy is on rise and the objective of this case study is to highlight a different, bold but conservative approach to an unusual challenging case of eight weeks heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy, which was threatening to rupture. Case Report: A 31-year-old G3P2L1 previous two cesarean sections presented with lower abdominal pain and bleeding. She was hemodynamically stable, and ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed heterotopic pregnancy, eight weeks (gestational sacs > 32 mm) intrauterine and caesarean scar pregnancy, which was threatening to rupture. Since the scar pregnancy was large, BHcG was > 200,000 iu, there was evidence of imminent scar dehiscence; and she was stable and had good blood parameters. The authors decided to take cautious but bold decision of suction evacuation under USG guidance, following the uterine artery embolism. The procedure was smooth and lower segment scar sacculus bleeding was controlled by compression with help of Foley’s balloons inside uterine cavity as well as in bladder. There was no evidence of extrauterine bleeding. She made a good post-operative recovery. Follow-ups consisted of serial BHcG and USG to monitor the regress. Conclusion: This case study implies that cesarean scar pregnancy, even with imminent scar dehiscence can be managed by USG-guided suction evacuation by experienced hands. Prior uterine artery embolization (UAE) added the safety of bleeding control. This case also emphasizes the importance of a patient monitoring and relying on failing BHcG, and a symptom free patient; and not on mass in CS scar alone which was slow to resolve.